Porch piracy, the act of stealing packages from doorsteps, has become a significant concern, especially for seniors in Santa Barbara and Montecito, CA. With the rise of online shopping, more packages are left unattended, making them easy targets for thieves. Nationally, it's estimated that 58 million Americans have fallen victim to package theft in the past year, amounting to losses of $12 billion.
Locally, Santa Barbara has seen a notable increase in such incidents. Residents have reported a significant uptick in thefts during recent holiday seasons, with at least a dozen neighbors experiencing package thefts in specific neighborhoods.
Why Seniors Are Particularly Vulnerable
Seniors often have predictable routines, which potential thieves can observe. Extended periods away from home for appointments or social activities can leave packages unattended for longer durations. Additionally, some seniors may be less familiar with technology-based preventive measures, making them more susceptible to theft.
Preventive Measures to Protect Your Packages - I use all these myself.
-
Schedule Deliveries for When You're Home: Coordinate delivery times to ensure you're present when packages arrive. Many delivery services offer options to select delivery windows.
-
Install a Video Doorbell or Security Camera: Devices like video doorbells can deter thieves and provide evidence in case of theft. In Santa Barbara, police have sought public assistance using footage from such devices to identify suspects.
-
Require a Signature Upon Delivery: Opt for deliveries that require a signature, ensuring packages aren't left unattended.
-
Use Delivery Lockboxes: Invest in a secure lockbox where delivery personnel can leave packages safely.
-
Utilize Alternative Delivery Locations: Have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor, family member, or workplace if you're not home during delivery times.
-
Enroll in Delivery Management Services: Services like UPS My Choice, FedEx Delivery Manager, and USPS Informed Delivery allow you to track and manage your deliveries effectively.
Community Efforts and Reporting
Building a community network can be instrumental in preventing package theft. Neighbors can look out for each other's deliveries and report suspicious activities. If you fall victim to package theft, report it to local law enforcement and provide any available evidence, such as security camera footage.
Protecting Your Home and Valuables
Beyond safeguarding packages, ensuring your home is secure is essential, especially if you're considering downsizing or transitioning to a new living situation. As a Senior Specialist Realtor in Santa Barbara and co-owner of Santa Barbara Senior Organization Support (SB SOS) with Kelsey Samuel, I understand seniors' unique challenges in this community. Our team is dedicated to assisting seniors in navigating these transitions smoothly and securely.
If you're a Santa Barbara or Montecito senior considering downsizing or seeking assistance with your real estate needs, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact Deborah Samuel, your trusted Senior Specialist Realtor, at 805-570-6680 or via email at [email protected]. Visit our website at DeborahSellsSB.com for more information.
